• Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco could be 'more exciting than ever' - Rosberg

The Monaco Grand Prix is often a processional affair © Getty Images

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• Race:
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• Drivers:
• Nico Rosberg

• Teams:
• Mercedes

Nico Rosberg thinks this year's Monaco Grand Prix could be the most exciting race ever held on the principality's famous streets.

A combination of the new Pirelli tyres, KERS and the DRS overtaking aid has spiced up racing in 2011, and even the Spanish Grand Prix, which is often devoid of overtaking, provided a thrilling spectacle. The Monaco circuit is the tightest on the calendar and has changed little since its inaugural race in 1929, but Rosberg thinks the new rules should make for an exciting race.

"This year the race has the potential to be more exciting than ever," he said. "If KERS and the DRS do make overtaking possible, it will be great for the fans."

Rosberg, who races under the German flag but was raised in Monaco, said the circuit has always held a special place in his heart.

"The Monaco Grand Prix is always a thrilling weekend for me," he added. "It's my home race and to drive in front of my family and my friends is always very special. My old school is actually right next to the paddock! I also really love driving the circuit as you have to drive very aggressively but also be so precise. The drive through the tunnel at 280 kph is always a real adventure. You are so close to the barriers that you can really feel how fast the cars actually are."

His Mercedes team-mate Michael Schumacher, who secured his best result of the year in Spain last weekend, is hoping his new found form will carry over to Monaco.

"We had a more positive weekend in Barcelona so I hope that we can carry this progress through to Monaco," he said. "It's difficult to predict how the car will perform as it is such a unique circuit so we will have to wait and see.

"Monaco has always been one of my favourite races and I love driving there. The street circuit may be somewhat anachronistic when we usually care so much about safety but the race is so special on the Formula One calendar that for once, you just go for it. What I also like is that it must be great for the fans to be close to the cars and experience the power."

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